Dorothy Nell Varner

Dorothy Nell Varner, 93, of Abilene, TX passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 9th, 2025.

Visitation will be from 5:30 – 7:30 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hillcrest Church of Christ located at 650 E Ambler Avenue, Abilene, TX 79601.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at Hillcrest Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park located at 5750 US Highway 277 South in Abilene. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX.

Dorothy Nell Varner was born in Pear Valley, TX to Samuel Jefferson “Tucker” Purcell and Olive Murchison Purcell on March 31, 1932. She was raised on the farm in Fife, TX with her three older brothers and went to school in Lohn. She graduated from Lohn High School in 1950 before attending Draughn’s Business College in Abilene. She married Aaron Lee Varner on October 15, 1953, in Abilene, TX and later gave birth to two sons, Gary William Varner and David Jeffery Varner. Dorothy went on to obtain her real estate license and sold homes in and around the Abilene area until her retirement at the young age of 82. Dorothy was a Christian and a devoted servant of God and has been a member at Hillcrest Church of Christ since they opened their doors in 1959. Through her words and actions, she possessed a rare ability to make others feel deeply valued and seen. “Meemaw Dorothy” was dearly loved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who find peace in the hope of resurrection and the assurance that they will be reunited with her one day.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Lee Varner, her parents, Tucker and Olive Purcell, brothers Conley, Floyd, and Leroy Purcell, and son, David J. Varner. She is survived by her son Gary W. Varner and wife, Linda Varner and daughter-in-law Cindy Varner; grandchildren Greg Varner and wife, Bria, Meredith Donnelly and husband, Ronan, Jessica Gore and husband, Morgan, and Rachel Evans and husband, Bradley, in addition to five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Greg Varner, Bradley Evans, Morgan Gore, Ray Don Box, John Box, and Wally McNeil. Honorary pallbearers are Ronan Donnelly and A.E. Nelson, Jr.

Memorials may be given in Dorothy’s honor to Hillcrest Church of Christ.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at University Place, Home Instead, and to Rachael Valfre.